Discover the Best Hotel Credit Cards for Rewarding Travel Experiences
In the realm of travel, selecting the perfect hotel credit card can significantly enhance your journey, offering a blend of rewards, perks, and savings. WalletHub’s recent analysis of over 1,500 credit card offers reveals the top hotel credit cards tailored for diverse traveler needs this winter, focusing on initial bonuses, earning rates, cardholder benefits, and associated fees. Here’s a closer look at the standout choices.
Choice Privileges Select Mastercard: A Top Pick for Hotel Rewards
The Choice Privileges Select Mastercard emerges as the leading hotel credit card for February 2024, thanks to its rapid point accumulation leading to free hotel stays. Spending $3,000 within the first three months nets cardholders 60,000 bonus points, equivalent to about $744 in Choice reservations. The annual bonus of 30,000 points further sweetens the deal. However, the $95 annual fee and a high APR are notable downsides.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Flexibility Across Hotel Chains
For those reluctant to tie themselves to a single hotel brand, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers unmatched versatility. A $4,000 expenditure within the initial three months rewards users with 60,000 bonus points, translating to roughly $750 in travel via Chase Ultimate Rewards. With five points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase and one point per dollar on other purchases, the benefits are tangible. Yet, this card also comes with a $95 annual fee and a high APR.
Citi Custom Cash Card: Best for No Annual Fee
The Citi Custom Cash Card stands out as the premier no-annual-fee option for hotel bookings across any chain. New users can earn a $200 bonus by spending $1,500 in the first six months, alongside 5 percent cash back in their top spending category each billing cycle (including hotels), and 1 percent back on other purchases. The introductory zero percent APR is a boon, though the 3 percent foreign transaction fee and a variable regular APR post-introductory period could detract from its appeal.
Honorable Mentions
Several other cards deserve attention for their hotel-centric rewards and benefits, including:
- Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
- IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
- Wyndham Credit Card
- Best Western Premier Credit Card
- The World of Hyatt Credit Card
These options cater to loyalty towards specific hotel brands, offering unique advantages that could align more closely with your travel patterns and preferences.
Making the Right Choice
When selecting a hotel credit card, weigh the annual fees against the potential rewards and benefits. Consider your travel habits, preferred hotel chains, and spending capacity to choose a card that maximizes your rewards and enhances your travel experience. Whether seeking flexibility, brand loyalty perks, or a no-fee card, the current market offers a variety of options to suit different types of travelers.